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Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2013 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Sony PS4 will support used games: no restrictions, online check-in or authentication required]]> http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/10/sony-ps4-will-support-used-games-with-no-restrictions/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/10/sony-ps4-will-support-used-games-with-no-restrictions/ http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/10/sony-ps4-will-support-used-games-with-no-restrictions/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Sony PS4 will support used games no restrictions, online checkin or authentication required

Perhaps the biggest news post-console reveal here at Sony's E3 presser: the PS4 will play used games without any restrictions or authentication. In broader terms, that means that when you purchase physical media, that disc can then be traded-in at retailers like GameStop, lent / sold to friends or kept forever as part of your enduring library. What's more, unlike Microsoft's controversial Xbox One 24-hour offline gaming window, PS4 owners will not have to connect to the internet in order to continue playing games. Effectively, that makes the PS4 fully playable offline; it also arguably hands the E3 2013 crown to Sony. For a brief instructional (and intentionally cheeky) demo on how this used game process works, check out Sony's homemade video after the break.

Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.

Filed under: Gaming, HD, Sony

]]> E32013freedomhdpostcrossPlaystation4PS4sonyusedgames Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:42:00 -0400 21|20610459 <![CDATA[Singapore to require operating licenses for Yahoo, other select news sites starting June 1st]]> http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/28/singapore-online-news-license/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/28/singapore-online-news-license/ http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/28/singapore-online-news-license/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Singapore to require operating licenses for Yahoo, other select news sites from June 1st

Singapore isn't necessarily known for its generous media freedoms, but the Southeast Asian city-state is planning to tighten the reigns even further next month. Beginning June 1st, any online news outlet with more than 50,000 unique monthly visitors within Singapore that also reports on the country at least once each week will need to obtain an operating license from the Media Development Authority. According to a press release, the objective of such a policy, which already covers print publications, is to "provide greater clarity" when it comes to text and visual media the government will not allow to be published, such as "content that undermines racial or religious harmony." The agency's release lists a total of 10 online publications that will be affected by the new policy, including sg.news.yahoo.com, businesstimes.com.sg and straitstimes.com. According to a Reuters report, blogs are currently excluded, though we could see stricter regulation on that front in the future.

Filed under: Internet, Alt

Source: AsiaOne, Reuters

]]> freedomnewsregulationsingaporeyahoo Tue, 28 May 2013 17:11:00 -0400 21|20586111 <![CDATA[North Korea to grant mobile internet access to visitors, but not citizens]]> http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/north-korea-visitors-mobile-internet-access-3g/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/north-korea-visitors-mobile-internet-access-3g/ http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/22/north-korea-visitors-mobile-internet-access-3g/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

North Korea to grant mobile internet access to visitors, but not citizens

In just a few days, visitors to North Korea will be able to surf the web from 3G-enabled devices. According to the Associated Press, customers of telecom company Koryolink living in Pyongyang received word that the firm will launch a 3G internet service exclusively for foreigners no later than March 1st. While citizens of North Korea have access to things including MMS, video calls, and a subscription to the state-run newspaper over 3G, a connection to the global internet will remain exclusive to a small, approved slice of the population using broadband. Foreigners will be able to purchase a monthly service plan for use with a USB modem or their very own SIM card. It's hard to say if Eric Schmidt's trip nudged the country and the service provider to change their tune, but in any case we're hoping Señor Schmidt will consider visiting Cuba as well.

[Image credit: (stephan), Flickr]

Filed under: Internet, Mobile

Source: Associated Press (ABC News)

]]> 3GfreedominternetKoryolinkmobilepostcrossNorthKorea Fri, 22 Feb 2013 03:05:00 -0500 21|20473083 <![CDATA[Google boss suggests North Korean government should embrace the internet]]> http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/eric-schmidt-suggests-internet-for-north-korea/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/eric-schmidt-suggests-internet-for-north-korea/ http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/10/eric-schmidt-suggests-internet-for-north-korea/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Google boss suggests North Korean government should embrace the internet

Speaking to reporters in Beijing airport after his trip to Pyongyang, Google's Eric Schmidt has expressed bewilderment at the fact that North Korean citizens still aren't hooked up to the web. He pointed out that the government could retool its 3G mobile network to provide access to the outside world and said "it would be very easy for them to turn that on." Then he flew home.

Filed under: Internet, Google

Source: Bloomberg

]]> eric schmidtEricSchmidtfreedomgoogleinternetnorthkorea Thu, 10 Jan 2013 06:58:00 -0500 21|20424867 <![CDATA[Iran swapping internet for intranet in August (update)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/iran-blocking-access-to-internet/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/iran-blocking-access-to-internet/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/10/iran-blocking-access-to-internet/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

iran google news

There's dealing with internet comments, and then there's this. According to a statement from Reza Taghipour, the Iranian minister for Information and Communications Technology, Iran will be shutting off access to the world wide in around five months, as it flips the switch on a nationwide "intranet" that'll act like one of the more strict corporate firewalls you may have come in contact with. The reason? It's looking to provide its citizens access to "a clean internet," which is loosely translated into "an internet sans freedom." Instead of providing access to Google, Gmail and Hotmail, users will have to register for an Iran Mail ID -- which "mandates authentic information pertaining to a person's identity, including national ID, address and full name." Evidently, it's all to prevent access to the internet that exists today -- one that "promotes crime, disunity, unhealthy moral content, and atheism" in Taghipour's mind. Crazily enough, he's right about all of that, but it's a small price to pay for access to things like this, no?

Update: Turns out, the original report here was a bit -- shall we say -- sensationalized. According to a breaking update from AFP, Iran has "denied online reports that it plans to cut access to the internet in August and replace it with a national intranet." In truth, Iran does have a plan to implement a "national information network," which is being billed as a "totally closed system that would function like a sort of intranet for the Islamic republic." To date, there's no clarity on whether the aforesaid network will exist alongside the internet or in place of it.

]]> accessblockcontrolfreedomgovernmentintranetiranispprivacyregistrationReza TaghipourRezaTaghipour Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:07:00 -0400 21|20211963 <![CDATA[Wiretapping Act could spell 'finito' for Italian Wikipedia]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/wiretapping-act-could-spell-finito-for-italian-wikipedia/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/wiretapping-act-could-spell-finito-for-italian-wikipedia/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/wiretapping-act-could-spell-finito-for-italian-wikipedia/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

This week, lawmakers in Italy are debating a controversial new bill that could have disastrous implications for Wikipedia. Yesterday, the encyclopedia posted a lengthy letter on its Italian portal, informing visitors that the site may be shuttered within the country if parliament passes the proposed DDL Intercettazioni, or "Wiretapping Law." If ratified, the legislation would require all online publishers to amend any content considered objectionable or defamatory within 48 hours of receiving a complaint. Offenders would face a fine of €12,000 (about $16,000), and any requested corrections would not be subject to review. Of course, this presents obvious problems for the crowdsourced (and crowd-edited) Wikipedia, which characterized the law as "an unacceptable restriction of [its] freedom and independence." The site took particular umbrage at the bill's apparent disregard for third-party review, pointing out that the "opinion of the person allegedly injured is all that is required" to force a re-write, "regardless of the truthfulness of the information deemed as offensive, and its sources." At the moment, the portal is still up, but masked by Wikipedia's letter. If the Wiretapping Law progresses further, however, the organization says it will have no choice but to delete its Italian platform altogether.

[Image courtesy of Toutlecine]

Filed under: Alt

]]> censorshipcrowdsourceddefamationeuropefreedomfreedom of speechFreedomOfSpeechindependenceitalianitalylawletterneutralityparliamentpoliticswikipediawiretappingwiretapping lawWiretappingLaw Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:02:00 -0400 21|20074143 <![CDATA[Jaybird JF3 Freedom Bluetooth stereo headset shipping next week, enhanced with new cushions]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/jaybird-jf3-freedom-bluetooth-stereo-headset-shipping-next-week/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/jaybird-jf3-freedom-bluetooth-stereo-headset-shipping-next-week/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/jaybird-jf3-freedom-bluetooth-stereo-headset-shipping-next-week/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Jaybird's been pretty quiet about its latest Bluetooth offering. In fact, the company actually sneaked a few of its JF3 Freedom sports headphones into some stores back in April, but they quickly ran out of stock -- we imagine it was either a test run or the product needed some tweaking. Regardless, we've just been informed that the JF3 will finally be available to all starting next week, with Jaybird's online store currently taking pre-orders for $99 a pop (including free delivery), followed by wider availability at retail stores in late July. What's more, these sweat-proof stereo buds are now enhanced with new blade-like silicon ear cushions -- head past the break to watch Jaybird founder Judd Armstrong ecstatically shake his head to show off the secure fit.

Gallery: Jaybird JF3 Freedom Bluetooth headphones

]]> a2dpBluetoothbluetooth headphonesbluetooth headsetbluetooth stereo headsetBluetoothHeadphonesBluetoothHeadsetBluetoothStereoHeadsetFreedomJaybirdjf3jf3 freedomJf3FreedomJF3MBstereovideo Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:08:00 -0400 21|19965064 <![CDATA[Google tightening control of Android, insisting licensees abide by 'non-fragmentation clauses'?]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/google-tightening-control-of-android-insisting-licensees-abide/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/google-tightening-control-of-android-insisting-licensees-abide/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/google-tightening-control-of-android-insisting-licensees-abide/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

A storm seems to be brewing over the realm of Android development. Bloomberg's Businessweek spies have received word from "a dozen executives working at key companies in the Android ecosystem" that Google is actively working to gain control and final say over customizations of its popular mobile OS. That might not sound unreasonable, and indeed Google's public position on the matter is that it's seeking to stabilize the platform and ensure quality control, but it does mark a major shift from where Android started -- an open source OS that was also open to manufacturers and carriers to customize as they wish. Not so anymore, we're told, as apparently Mountain View is now demanding that content partnerships and OS tweaks get the blessing of Andy Rubin before proceeding. The alternative, of course, is to not be inside Google's warm and fuzzy early access program, but then, as evidenced by the company recently withholding the Honeycomb source code, you end up far behind those among your competitors who do dance to Google's pipe.

Things have gotten so heated, in fact, that complaints have apparently been made to the US Department of Justice. They may have something to do with allegations of Google holding back Verizon handsets with Microsoft's Bing on board, ostensibly in an effort to trip up its biggest search competitor. Another major dissatisfaction expressed by those working with Android code is that Google needs an advance preview of what is being done in order to give it the green light -- which, as noted by a pair of sources familiar with Facebook's Android customization efforts, isn't sitting well with people at all. Google and Facebook are direct competitors in the online space and it's easily apparent how much one stands to gain from knowing the other's plans early. As to the non-fragmentation clauses in licenses, Andy Rubin has pointed out those have been there from the start, but it's only now that Google is really seeking to use them to establish control. The future of Android, therefore, looks to be a little less open and a little more Googlish -- for better or worse. As Nokia's Stephen Elop puts it:

"The premise of a true open software platform may be where Android started, but it's not where Android is going."

]]> androidandy rubinAndyRubinclosedcodecustomizationdevelopmentfragmentationfreedomgooglemobile osMobileOsnon-fragmentationopenoperating systemOperatingSystemosquality controlQualityControlregulationrulessoftware Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:12:00 -0400 21|19898176 <![CDATA[Scosche freedomMIC for Flip Video cameras is the wireless microphone add-on for Real Americans]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/scosche-freedommic-for-flip-video-cameras-is-the-wireless-microp/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/scosche-freedommic-for-flip-video-cameras-is-the-wireless-microp/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/23/scosche-freedommic-for-flip-video-cameras-is-the-wireless-microp/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Freedom. Justice. Microphones. We're pretty sure you can find all of those in the constitution, or inside the pure essence of eagle tears, or in Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" played backwards. Scosche understands, and that's why they're unveiling the freedomMIC add-on for Flip Video cameras. It's one of those new FlipPort-compatible accessories that we're sure we'll be seeing plenty of now that Cisco's new wave of cameras are out for public consumption. The mic itself offers a pretty neat solution to the perennial problem of sucky Flip audio: you plug the receiver base into the bottom of the Flip and hand the wireless lapel mic to your subject. Conveniently, you can start and stop recording with the microphone itself, and a 4 hour rechargeable battery should get you through the most trying of interviews or impassioned YouTube monologues. The mic will be out in "late December" for $100.

]]> americaciscoflipflipportfreedomfreedommicmicmicrophonescoschethe bossTheBosswireless micwireless microphoneWirelessMicWirelessMicrophone Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:55:00 -0400 21|19646470 <![CDATA[Amino launches Freedom over-the-top video set-top box, challenges Google TV to arm wrestle]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/amino-launches-freedom-over-the-top-video-set-top-box-challenge/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/amino-launches-freedom-over-the-top-video-set-top-box-challenge/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/amino-launches-freedom-over-the-top-video-set-top-box-challenge/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

If the AppleTV announcement didn't satiate your need for a Google TV set-top box battle royal, then new details about Amino's Freedom box might do the trick. Yes it still packs the same hardware announced back in 2009 such as an Intel CE4100m Atom Processor, 500 GB of internal storage, SD card support, Bluetooth, WiFi 802.11n and 1 GB of RAM. We've now discovered however that it'll also run its own Amino branded version of Nokia's MeeGo OS, adding apps and gaming support to its list of capabilities that already included 1080p playback, VOD streaming, and DVR recording. In other words there's going to be a new Google TV competitor on the block sometime before the end of this year looking for a fight. Whether it'll provide a Lincoln Hawk-worthy performance though is something we'll let the bookies squabble over until we can go hands on with both.

[Thanks, Hary]

]]> 1080pAminoAmino FreedomAmino MeeGoAminoFreedomAminoMeegoDVRFreedomgoogleGoogle TVGoogle TV platformGoogleTvGoogleTvPlatformHD VidoHdVidoIntel Atom CE4100mIntel CE4100mIntel CE4100m Atom ProcessorIntelAtomCe4100mIntelCe4100mIntelCe4100mAtomProcessorMeeGoNokia MeeGoNokiaMeegoon demandon demand serviceson demand video serviceOnDemandOnDemandServicesOnDemandVideoServiceOSset topSet Top Boxset top boxesSetTopSetTopBoxSetTopBoxesstreaming videoStreamingMediaStreamingVideovideo on demandVideoOnDemandVOD Tue, 07 Sep 2010 07:04:00 -0400 21|19622580 <![CDATA[China backtracks, makes Green Dam 'optional']]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/14/china-backtracks-makes-green-dam-optional/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/14/china-backtracks-makes-green-dam-optional/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/14/china-backtracks-makes-green-dam-optional/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

China's efforts to preload the Green Dam censorware on all PCs in the country have been going pretty poorly so far, with accusations of software piracy and manufacturer displeasure causing delays. Now the government is backing down from that stance, stating that the original regulation wasn't "expressed clearly, and gave everyone the impression that [Green Dam] was mandatory." For home computers, that means the internet filtering software will likely continue to be bundled as an optional (and inactive) extra -- something Acer, ASUS, Lenovo and Sony have been doing since early July -- but if you're at school, an internet cafe or some other public access point, expect to see Green Dam running, alive and well. Censorship is dead, long live censorship.

[Via CNET]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

]]> censorcensorshipcensorwareChinaChinese governmentChineseGovernmentcontent filtercontent filteringContentFilterContentFilteringfilterfilteringfreedomGreen DamGreen Dam Youth EscortGreenDamGreenDamYouthEscortinternetparental controlparental controlsParentalControlParentalControlssoftware Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:07:00 -0400 21|19129161 <![CDATA[GameTrak Freedom motion controller for Xbox 360 outed at GDC]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/25/gametrak-freedom-motion-controller-for-xbox-360-outed-at-gdc/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/25/gametrak-freedom-motion-controller-for-xbox-360-outed-at-gdc/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/25/gametrak-freedom-motion-controller-for-xbox-360-outed-at-gdc/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

IGN's gotten a preview of the Gametrak Freedom motion-controller we first spied back in September. Designed by Performance Designed Products (PDP), the Xbox 360 (which will probably also be available for the PS3 at some point, too) stick's looks have changed quite a bit since then. Like most other motion controllers it uses accelerometers, but also adds ultrasonic 3D positioning using two sensor bars mounted to the display, which can triangulate the device's positioning to precisely calculate its distance, orientation and speed. Though the Gametrak Freedom is expected for Xbox 360 in the fourth quarter of this year, there are no specific details about pricing or availability yet.

[Via Joystiq]

Filed under: Gaming

]]> freedomgametrakgametrak freedomGametrakFreedomgaminggdcgdc 09gdc 2009Gdc09Gdc2009motion controlmotion controllerMotionControlMotionControllerxboxxbox 360xbox360 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:54:00 -0400 21|1498056 <![CDATA[In2Games shows off Gametrak Freedom: motion controller for Xbox 360 / PS3]]> http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/16/in2games-shows-off-gametrak-freedom-motion-controller-for-xbox/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/16/in2games-shows-off-gametrak-freedom-motion-controller-for-xbox/ http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/16/in2games-shows-off-gametrak-freedom-motion-controller-for-xbox/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

We're tempted to say that peripheral makers are taking this whole motion controlling thing a touch too far, but we suppose there's no stopping "progress," huh? In2Games, the outfit that already sought to bring motion sensing to the PS2, has just unveiled the first image of its motion controller for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The Wii Nunchuck-esque Gametrak Freedom is explained as being a "remarkable ultrasonic 3D motion sensing technology which delivers performance, control and flexibility far in excess of that offered by existing technologies." Supposedly, the device tracks the true 3D position and "precise movements of up to four players anywhere within a given environment," though it remains to be seen how much support it'll get from software developers. Initially, the controller will launch alongside undisclosed titles that can utilize the tech, but as for now, all you have to look forward to is Squeeballs. Yes, Squeeballs.

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

]]> 3d3d controller3dControllercontrollerFreedomgametrak freedomGametrakFreedomIn2Gamesmicrosoftmotion controllermotion sensingMotionControllerMotionSensingplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyultrasonicxbox 360Xbox360 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:08:00 -0400 21|1315348 <![CDATA[Proporta's Freedom key ring GPS receiver stays out of sight, keeps you located]]> http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/19/proportas-freedom-key-ring-gps-receiver-stays-out-of-sight-kee/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/19/proportas-freedom-key-ring-gps-receiver-stays-out-of-sight-kee/ http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/19/proportas-freedom-key-ring-gps-receiver-stays-out-of-sight-kee/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Sure, your phone has GPS capabilities, but who wants to carry around a receiver everywhere you go? Well, what if the receiver were tiny... and your key ring? That's exactly what Proporta is proposing (ha ha) with its latest "world's smallest" (the company's claim, certainly not ours) GPS receiver, the Freedom. The ultra-compact device does in fact function as a key fob, in addition to being a SiRF Star III-equipped receiver which can interface with whatever friendly device you happen to have nearby. The Freedom will last you nine hours on a single charge, connects with up to 20 satellites, and plays nice with Bluetooth devices, making your navigational world slightly more enjoyable. The little guy is available right now for €99.95, or $129.99.

[Via theunwired]

Filed under: GPS

]]> fobfreedomgps receiverGpsReceiverkey ringKeyRingproportasirf star IIISirfStarIii Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:21:00 -0400 21|993582 <![CDATA[Freedom Input's Bluetooth GPS receiver hangs on your keychain]]> http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/31/freedom-inputs-bluetooth-gps-receiver-hangs-on-your-keychain/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/31/freedom-inputs-bluetooth-gps-receiver-hangs-on-your-keychain/ http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/31/freedom-inputs-bluetooth-gps-receiver-hangs-on-your-keychain/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

It's not like the Bluetooth GPS receiver market really needed another combatant, but for those who prefer carrying as much as of their life as possible on a key ring, this one's for you. Coming in at a minuscule 1.54- x 1.3- x 0.79-inches in size, this SiRF Star III-equipped device can connect simultaneously to up to 20 satellite channels, operate for ten hours on a single charge, sports a tracking sensitivity of 159 dBm, supports an external antenna, and purportedly plays nice with your BT-enabled device from up to ten meters away thanks to Bluetooth 2.0. Charging is handled by the included cigarette adapter or USB charger, and while we wouldn't be keen on losing a $99.99 receiver right along with our keys, this should prove quite convenient if you're the organized type.

[Via NaviGadget]

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

]]> bluetoothbtfreedomfreedom inputFreedom Mini GPSFreedomInputFreedomMiniGpsGPS receiverGpsReceiverkey fobkey ringkeychainKeyFobKeyRingsirfsmartphone Thu, 31 May 2007 10:34:00 -0400 21|907598 <![CDATA[First HD DVD/DVD Twin disc hits U.S. in June, along with new HDi features]]> http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/20/first-hd-dvd-dvd-twin-disc-hits-u-s-in-june-along-with-new-hdi/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/20/first-hd-dvd-dvd-twin-disc-hits-u-s-in-june-along-with-new-hdi/ http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/20/first-hd-dvd-dvd-twin-disc-hits-u-s-in-june-along-with-new-hdi/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Add one more dual format disc type to the pile, as Bandai Visual will bring the HD DVD/DVD Twin disc to the U.S. June 26, with the release of its bestselling OVA Freedom, and will also be one of the first releases to include HDi network capabilities. As opposed to the combo releases so far that have HD DVD on one side, and DVD on the other, the Twin disc allows up to three layers of either HD DVD or DVD content on the same side of the disc, no flipping necessary. Your old-school DVD player might have trouble with the disc, so its been limited to Japan-only releases so far. Bandai's been working with Microsoft and Memory-Tech to tweak the VC-1 codec for Japanese anime, and the company says after this they will start releasing other HD DVD and Blu-ray titles in Japan and overseas. The SRP for Freedom Vol.1 (of 6) is $39.99 and while we don't know much about the series beyond its mix of CGI and 2D animation, it does heavily represent that most holiest of foods, ramen.

Filed under: HD DVD, HD

]]> animatedanimebandaicombodvdfreedomhdhd dvdHdDvdhdiihdmemory-techmicrosofttwinvc-1 Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:24:00 -0400 21|856692 <![CDATA[The Pirate Bay eying Sealand to escape digital persecution]]> http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/14/the-pirate-bay-eying-sealand-to-escape-digital-persecution/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/14/the-pirate-bay-eying-sealand-to-escape-digital-persecution/ http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/14/the-pirate-bay-eying-sealand-to-escape-digital-persecution/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

While Sweden (and Russia, to name a few) has long been a country of choice when it came to hosting less-than-upstanding websites, the head honchos around the globe looking out for their precious content have somehow reached The Pirate Bay, and now the popular torrent tracking site is eying the micronation of Sealand as a safe haven for its dubious hosting needs. Sealand, which is loosely claimed as a principality, features its own flag, coat of arms, currency, stamps, passports, and most importantly, a quasi-coat of armor from any nation's laws. Although the background of 5,920-square foot man-made installation off the shore of Suffolk, England is quite remarkable, TPB sees its two massive columns as a perfect place for future hosting duties. Formerly the home of HavenCo, an off-shore hosting company that housed gambling sites, money transferring liaisons, and any other operation looking for internet freedom, Sealand could be a potential sanctuary from the claws of the RIAA, MPAA, and other content "owners." Although a principality can't legally (saywha?) be "sold," the family in possession of it recently began accepting offers "upwards of eight figures" for a transfer of ownership after (quite literally) holding down the fort since 1967, and while we highly doubt a fundraiser can scrape up that kind of loot anytime soon, nor do we believe it'd stop the barrage of content guardians, we must say the location looks like an excellent place to just get away from it all (including lawyers) -- if only for awhile.

[Thanks, iamsoinsane, photo courtesy Kim Gilmour]

Filed under: Misc, Portable Audio/Video, Portable Video

]]> bittorrentcrimecriminalfreedomhavenillegalmusicp2ppiratepiratesportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoriaasafetysealandstealingthe pirate bayThePirateBaytorrenttpb Sun, 14 Jan 2007 20:45:00 -0500 21|735807